Method and system of determining a location for a wind-powered electrical energy facility

ABSTRACT

A method and system determines a location of a conversion device for converting wind energy into electrical energy by considering both technical and economic viability factors. One or more qualified wind data regions are established within a geographic area. Each qualified wind data region meets or exceeds a wind velocity criteria over a requisite time period. Distribution accessible zones are established where a desired range of electrical energy is distributable via existing distribution infrastructure. Candidate regions are determined based on the overlap of the regions and the zones. Land data is obtained and is associated with the candidate region. The land data may comprise at least one of a land use and a holder of an interest in real property associated with the candidate region. A selector selects a preferential region, for placement of a conversion device, from the candidate regions based on a land data.

This document claims priority based on U.S. provisional application Ser.No. 60/548,298, filed Feb. 27, 2004, and entitled METHOD AND SYSTEM OFESTABLISHING A WIND-POWERED ELECTRICAL GENERATION FACILITY, under 35U.S.C. 119(e).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a method and system of determining a locationfor a wind-powered electrical energy facility.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the prior art, certain engineering models have been used to establishtechnical viability in planning the location of wind turbines or windfarms. The engineering models may consider the topography of a region,the wind regime of the region, and the technical specifications ofvarious commercially available wind turbines. However, the engineeringmodels provide only a partial view of reality because other criticalfinancial, geostatistical, and other information may influence theeconomic viability of a wind farm. Thus, a need exists for an accuratemodel to plan an economically viable location of a wind turbine or awind farm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A method and system determines a location of a conversion device forconverting wind energy into electrical energy by considering bothtechnical and economic viability factors. One or more qualified winddata regions are established within a geographic area. Each qualifiedwind data region meets or exceeds a wind velocity criteria over arequisite time period. Accessible transmission and distribution zonesare established where a desired range of electrical energy ispotentially distributable to electricity purchasers or consumers viaexisting distribution infrastructure. One or more candidate regions aredetermined based on the overlap of the regions and the zones. Land datais obtained and is associated with the candidate regions. The land datamay comprise at least one of a land use of the respective candidateregion and an identity of a holder of an interest in real propertyassociated with the candidate region. A selector selects a preferentialregion, for placement of a conversion device, from the candidate regionsbased on a land data (e.g., indicative of vacant land or an agriculturaluse).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram for a system for establishing a wind-poweredelectrical generation facility in accordance with the invention.

FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a method for determining a preferential regionor location for a wind-powered electrical generation facility.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart of a method for marketing an investment in awind-powered electrical generation facility.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an alternate embodiment of a system forestablishing a wind-powered electrical generation facility.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of a method for establishingmultiple, spatially diverse wind-powered electrical generationfacilities.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart of another embodiment of a method forestablishing multiple, spatially diverse wind-powered electricalgeneration facilities.

FIG. 7A is a diagram of an illustrative example of various data layersthat may be combined to form a composite data layer.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of a system for managing multiple data layersto determine a preferential region or regions for locating an energyconversion device.

FIG. 7C is a flow chart of a method for applying multiple data layers tothe selection of a preferential site or location for an energyconversion device.

FIG. 8 is an illustrative example of a wind contour map, where eachcontour represents a distinct range of available wind power associatedwith corresponding geographic regions.

FIG. 9 is an illustrative example of topographic contour map, where eachcontour represents a distinct range of elevations associated withcorresponding geographic regions.

FIG. 10 is an illustrative example of a land use map, where each contourrepresents a distinct set of land uses or attributes associated withcorresponding geographic regions.

FIG. 11 is an illustrative example of an electrical transmission grid,where the paths represent the paths of various components of anelectrical distribution system within a geographic region.

FIG. 12 represents an aggregation or overlay of a wind contour map, atopographic contour map, a land use map, and an electrical transmissiongrid to facilitate identification of a candidate region for locating awind farm.

FIG. 13 is an enlargement of the candidate region of FIG. 12 that showsthe proximity to the electrical transmission line and an equipmentdealer/service provider.

FIG. 14 represents a local site selection tool for optimizing siteselection of a wind turbine within a defined, limited geographic sitewithin the candidate region.

FIG. 15 represents a financial data analysis associated with thecandidate region.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

As used herein, the terms “transmission” and “distribution”, andvariations thereof, do not refer to and are not limited to anyparticular voltage range or ranges. The terms transmission anddistribution shall be accorded their ordinary dictionary definitionswhen used as nouns or adjectives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, toclarify the definitions commonly used in utility industry within theUnited States, “transmission voltage range” refers to aboveapproximately 161 kilovolts; “sub-transmission voltage range” refers toapproximately 55 kilovolts to 138 kilovolts; and “distribution voltagerange” refers to approximately 33 kilovolts and below.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a system for establishing a wind-poweredgeneration facility. The data processing system 20 is associated with auser interface 36 for accepting input data from a user and for providingoutput data to a user. The data processing system 20 may communicate viaa communications network 38 (e.g., Internet) or another communicationslink to one or more external data sources 40. However, the dataprocessing system 20 may rely on a user to input or enter input data viathe user interface 36, as opposed to obtaining the input data viacommunication between the data processing system 20 and one or moreexternal data sources 40.

The data processing system 20 may comprise a wind data module 22, anaccessible distribution module 24 that communicates to a candidatedetermination module 32. In turn, the candidate determination module 32communicates to a selector 34. A land data manager 26 and a financialscreening tool 28 provide input data to the selector 34. Acommunications interface 30 supports communications between the dataprocessing system 20 and an external data source 40 via thecommunications network 38 or a communications link. In one embodiment,the communications network 38 may communicate with one or more of thefollowing: a wind data module 22, accessible distribution module 24,land data manager 26, and financial screening tool 28.

The user interface 36 may comprise one or more of the following: agraphical user interface, a keypad, a keyboard, a display, a pointingdevice (e.g., a mouse), an optical reading device, a magnetic readingdevice, an optical disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, and a magnetictape device.

The external data source 40 may comprise any of the following: a creditbureau that has financial records on individuals and/or businesses, atopographic data source, a wind regime data source, a meteorologicaldata source (e.g., a data feed), a governmental report data source,demographic data source, census data source, a geospatial data source,or other data sources or databases that are commercially available,available through government or governmental agencies, or otherwiseaccessible.

The wind data module 22 may manage the storage and retrieval of winddata. Wind data may be expressed as one or more of the following: a windvelocity, a wind speed, a wind direction, a wind azimuth, a prevalence,a temporal component, a measurement interval, a measurement altitude ormeasurement height above ground level, a measurement location ormeasurement coordinates, a reading or sampling interval, a reliabilitylevel, a percentage of reliability, and a wind class. A wind velocityhas two components: a wind speed and a wind azimuth. The wind azimuthmay be expressed as a compass direction, degrees from a referencedirection (e.g., North), or otherwise. Wind velocity is associated withrespective measurement location data (e.g., geographic coordinates). Thetemporal component may represent a measurement interval or readinginterval for the wind velocity. For example, a database may contain windvelocity data measured or recorded at a sampling interval (e.g., every15 minutes or hourly) at known geographic coordinates and correspondingheights above ground level or sea level. The average wind velocity mayrepresent an average velocity over some time duration. Reliability ofthe wind (e.g., or average wind velocity or wind speed) may be expressedas a percentage of time in which (or probability at which) the windvelocity meets or exceeds some minimum threshold or is bounded by somerange.

In one embodiment, the wind data may be expressed in accordance with amodel which models wind data as the following components: (1) one of Nangular compass directions at regularly spaced angular intervals, (2) acorresponding average wind speed for each of the N angular compassdirections, where N is equal to a positive integer greater than one; (3)a time interval (e.g., monthly or weekly) associated with each of thewind speeds (e.g., average wind speeds); (4) a height of measurement orobservation (e.g., height above mean sea level) of the correspondingwind speeds (e.g., average wind speed); and (5) corresponding geographiccoordinates for the measurement or observation. The above components ofthe wind data may populate a database, a table, a multidimensionalmatrix or series of matrices, for example. In another embodiment, thewind data may be derived from or based on National Weather Service data(in the U.S.) or other publicly or commercially available data and localdata measurements (e.g., wind meter readings) in a defined region(inclusive of the candidate region) over approximately a one year timeframe or greater.

Accessible distribution data may comprise one or more of the following:transmission line data, transmission line path data, transmission linecapacity data, distribution infrastructure data, network data, powersupply data, power plant data, power plant capacity data, power loaddata, power grid data, including forecasted demand data, and locationdata (e.g., geographic coordinates) or temporal periods associated withany of the foregoing items. Transmission line data or distributioninfrastructure data comprises any of the following: transmission towers,power plant sites, power stations, power sub-stations, transmissioncapacity, available transmission capacity, used transmission capacity,historical electrical energy consumption, planned electrical energyconsumption, number of transmission lines, physical size (e.g., lengthand cross-sectional diameter, conductor type, or wire gauge) oftransmission lines, specifications of transmissions lines, regional andnational power generation, specifications of off-line power plants, andspecifications of on-line power plants.

Land data may comprise any of the following: metes and bounds of realproperty, governmental geographic survey data, land use data,agricultural land boundaries, land owner data, land holder data of anyinterest in corresponding real property, satellite image data of land,aerial image data of land, public records, real property public records,grantee-grantor indices associated with various counties, census data,foreclosure notices and publicly available court filings related to realproperty, marketing data, demographic data, customer names andcorresponding addresses, and plat data. The metes and bounds orboundaries of real property may be defined by geographic coordinates orlocation data. Other land data may be referenced to or associated withthe location data (e.g., geographic coordinates).

Financial data may comprise any of the following: a credit analysis of acorresponding land owner or land holder, a credit rating of acorresponding land owner or land holder, a loan application, publiclyavailable business records, secretary of state business filings, realproperty mortgage records, and real property foreclosure records, censusdata, demographic data, annual income data, and bankruptcy filings andnotices.

FIG. 2 illustrates a method for determining a preferential location orregion for locating a wind-powered generation facility. The method ofFIG. 2 starts in step S100.

In step S100, a wind data module 22 filters wind data to establish oneor more qualified wind data regions within a defined geographic area.The defined geographic area may be defined by a user to include adefined geographic region within a county, state, country, canton,province, city, nation, multiple countries or otherwise. Each qualifiedwind data region meets or exceeds a wind data criteria (e.g., a minimumwind velocity critieria) over a requisite time period.

The wind data criteria may be established in accordance with variousalternate or cumulative techniques. Under a first technique, the winddata criteria may comprise a wind speed or velocity that meets orexceeds 6 meters per second (e.g., an average of 6 m/s) in at least onedirection over a certain defined time period (e.g., three months orgreater). Under a second technique, the wind data criteria may comprisea wind regime that is consistent with a Wind Class 3, a Wind Class 4, aWind Class 5 or a Wind Class 6 rating from at least any single directionat the site of interest. For wind turbines that are capable of pivotingover approximately 360 degrees to align and face into the wind formaximum propulsion of the blades of a wind turbine, only wind from asingle direction is required to be compliant with a Wind Class 3 throughWind Class 6, inclusive. For wind turbines that pivot less thanapproximately 360 degrees, wind from more than one direction is requiredto be compliant with a Wind Class 3 through a Wind Class 6, inclusive.

In step S102, an accessible distribution module 24 filters transmissiongrid and distribution data to establish accessible distribution zoneswhere a desired range of electrical energy is distributable orpotentially distributable via an existing distribution infrastructure.The desired range of electrical energy to be distributed is commensuratewith the level of electrical energy to be generated by the plannedelectrical energy generation facility. The distribution infrastructurerepresents at least one of a transmission line, a power station, asubstation, a monopole, a tower, and location data associated with anyof the foregoing items.

The planned electrical energy to be generated or generating capacity maybe defined in terms of kilowatt-hours (kWh), megawatt-hours (MWh),kilowatt-hours per hour or megawatt-hours per hour. However, thecapacity of transmission lines is typically defined in terms ofkilovolts along particular corresponding routes or paths, rather thankilowatts or megawatts. The voltage handling capacity (e.g., inkilovolts) is mathematically proportional to the watt or power handlingcapacity of the transmission lines, but the voltage unit is generallyregarded as more indicative of the configuration and technicalspecifications of various transmission lines. The capacity of thetransmission lines is considered from an origination point (e.g., theinterconnection point of the output of the wind-powered electrical powergeneration facility to the existing distribution infrastructure) to oneor more corresponding destination points (e.g., a purchaser or consumerof electrical energy).

In general, the accessible distribution zones are located within amaximum linear distance from the existing distribution infrastructure.The zone may have boundaries defined within a maximum radial distance(e.g., 10 kilometers) from a transmission line. The accessibledistribution may be based on a model in which a candidate location orcandidate region is less than or equal to some maximum linear distance(e.g., 10 km) from the local power grid or a viable interconnectionpoint (e.g., a tower location suitable for locating step-up or step-downtransformers to match voltage levels appropriately in accordance withsound technical practices in the utility or power distributionindustries) associated with the local power grid. The maximum lineardistance is proportional to the acceptable cost per unit distance toestablish a grid, balanced against the potential economic return fromthe wind farm (or energy conversion device) in a commercially reasonableand viable manner. The power grid information may be provided in theform of a database where the resolution shows power lines that servicedown to 60 kV or 14 kV, for example. The power grid data may provideinformation on the location of single phase (e.g., 60 or 50 Hz), dualphase, or three-phase line configurations.

In an alternate embodiment, step S102 may consider the estimated oractual historical load profile of one or more transmission lines toestimate whether there is sufficient residual capacity to handlelocating a wind-based power plant or proposed wind farm within thepreferential region without upgrading or adding additional transmissionlines from the interconnection point. The load profile may considernetwork theory, for example. The collective output of other power plantsand the load from various cities and industries impact whether there issufficient residual capacity on the transmission lines from theorigination point to the destination point(s). Decommissioning ofnuclear power plants, upgrading power plants, or generations, and otherincreases and decreases in power generation capacity across a geographicregion of interest may impact on the residual capacity of transmissionlines from the origination point to the destination point(s).

Further, in another alternate embodiment, tower loading capacity andwind loading of the power transmission towers is considered to determinewhether the towers have sufficient structural integrity to handleinstallation of additional power transmission lines to accommodate aplanned wind farm or electrical power generation facility. The loadprofile analysis may be placed in the form of a grid impact study forsubmission to various governmental or agency regulators.

For illustrative purposes without limiting the desired range ofelectrical energy, in one embodiment the energy conversion devicecomprises at least one wind turbine such that the desired range ofelectrical energy is within a range from approximately 200kilowatt-hours to approximately 20 megawatt-hours (or a range expressedin kilowatt-hours per hour or megawatt-hours per hour) to reduce thecomplexity or equipment requirements for a substation. Although thetransmission line may have virtually any technically suitable kilovoltrating for interfacing with the electrical generation facility via anintermediate facility (e.g., interconnection equipment, step-uptransformer, a step-down transformer, or matching transformer), in oneexample a potential interconnection point to the distributioninfrastructure is associated with a transmission line having a rating ofless than or equal to approximately 69 kilovolts. The complexity andcost of the intermediate facility that couples the energy conversiondevice(s) (e.g., wind turbine(s)) to the distribution infrastructure maybe minimized or reduced by keeping the preferential site of the energyconversion device within the preferential region less than a maximumdistance (e.g., ten kilometers) from the interconnection point which isassociated with a transmission line with a rating between approximately15 kilovolts and approximately 25 kilovolts.

In step S104, the candidate determination module 32 determines one ormore candidate regions based on the overlap region or intersection ofthe qualified wind data regions and the accessible distribution zones.The candidate regions represent potential regions for locating theplanned electric energy generation facility. If there are multiplecandidate regions, each candidate region may be ranked for the mostfinancially favorable or most economical combinations of wind data andaccessible distribution data, where the wind data is used to estimatepotential income from the power generating facility and the accessibledistribution data is used to estimate the capital and sunk costs inproviding the potential income for a particular corresponding geographiclocation. Optimization can be considered for individual projects (e.g.,one or more wind turbines) and at a portfolio level (e.g., one or moreclusters of wind turbines in geographically diverse locations).

In step S106, the land data manager 26 obtains land data associated withthe determined candidate regions including at least one of a land useand a holder of an interest in real property associated with thecandidate region. In a first example, the land data comprises land-usedata indicative of vacant land, agricultural land, or a land areagenerally free of ground clutter; the land data may be associated withor referenced to corresponding location data (e.g., geographiccoordinates). A land area that is generally free of ground clutter (orthat has a suitable level of ground clutter) has an absence of trees,buildings or other man-made structures exceeding a certain size (e.g.,greater than a minimum square footage, building height, or number ofstories) within a certain minimum clearance radius of a potential sitefor locating an energy conversion device (e.g., a wind turbine). Landareas that may be generally free of ground clutter (or that have asuitable degree of ground clutter) may include, for example, openfields, cleared, un-forested land, desert regions, semi-arid grazingland, and the like.

In a second example, the land data comprises holder data associated witha holder of a real property interest in the preferential region, theholder data including at least one of a credit report, a creditanalysis, financial data, and a historical annual income of the holder;the land data may be associated with or referenced to correspondinglocation data (e.g., geographic coordinates). In a third example, theland-use data may include geo-referenced agricultural land-use data,geo-referenced satellite images, geo-referenced aerial images of ground,governmental geological surveys, government geological surveys,publications or soil surveys of the National Cooperative Soil Survey,publications, studies or soil surveys sponsored by the United StatesDepartment of Agriculture zoning data from state and local governments,official census data, other geostatistical data, and location data(e.g., geographic coordinates) associated with any of the foregoingitems.

In step S108, a selector 34 selects a preferential region, for placementof an energy conversion device (e.g., a wind turbine), from thecandidate regions based on a land use indicative of vacant, agriculturalland, or land that is generally free of ground clutter. In analternative embodiment, the selector 34 may select a preferential regionbased on one or more of the following supplemental factors: financialdata associated with the holder (e.g., owner or tenant or lessee) of areal property interest in the preferential region, estimated populationgrowth and estimated future power demand in a region; availability oftax breaks, tax write-offs, or governmental subsidies for powergeneration within a preferential region; presence and proximity ofservice technicians for servicing, operating, and/or maintaining thewind farm or power generation equipment to the preferential region; andthe presence and proximity of dealers or distributors distributing thewind or power generation equipment to the preferential region.

The method of FIG. 3 is similar to the method of FIG. 2, except themethod of FIG. 3 further includes step S110 after step S108. Likenumbers in FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 indicate like steps or procedures.

In step S110, a proposal is related to the energy conversion devicemarketed to one or more holders of a real property interest in thepreferential region. Step S110 may be executed in accordance withvarious alternative or cumulative techniques. In accordance with a firsttechnique, the holders (e.g., owners) of the real property in thepreferential region have financial characteristics or a financialbackground that satisfies a screening test. For example, the financialscreening test may require the holder to meet one or more of thefollowing financial criteria: (a) meets or exceeds minimum annualincome, (b) meets or exceeds a minimum number of years in business, (c)operates a profitable small business, (d) manages a farming oragricultural operation, (e) engages in historical purchases that meet orexceed a minimal level, (f) possesses a current or historical creditrating meeting or exceeding a minimum credit rating level, (g) meets orexceeds a minimum number of years of profit or positive cash flow in asmall business, farming, or agricultural operation, and (h) has acertain degree of specialized training, certification or educationalqualifications.

Under a second technique, the holders of real property may be filteredto provide a list of holders that is consistent with a demographicconstraint (e.g., a zip code or local indicating a minimum averageincome), a marketing list of previous customers of the marketer or userof the data processing system, or other geostatistical, financial,demographic, marketing or sales data. For example, the holders of realproperty may be filtered based on customer financial data, historicalcustomer purchases, census data, and the like to identify suitableprospects or candidates for marketing an investment or business proposalassociated with electrical power generation in the preferential region.

FIG. 4 illustrates an alternate data processing system 120. The dataprocessing system 120 of FIG. 4 is similar to the data processing system20 of FIG. 1, except the data processing system 120 further includes acorrelation module 42. Like reference numbers in FIG. 1 and FIG. 4indicate like elements.

Wind data is inputted into the correlation module 42 for differentgeographic coordinates or locations. The correlation module 42determines the extent of correlation between the wind data (e.g., windvelocity, wind speed, average wind velocity and average wind speed) attwo distinct locations. The correlation module 42 can be used toidentify two or more locations where historical wind data (e.g., windvelocity data) demonstrates a minimal level or lack of correlation. Forexample, when the wind velocity peaks at site A, it tends to be at aminimum at site B, and vice versa. Accordingly, the selection ofrelatively uncorrelated sites A and B would support spatially diversegeneration of power with improved reliability and consistency of powergeneration. The correlation module 42 may provide input to the selector34 such that the selector 34 can select an array of sites distributedover a defined geographic area that produce a desired level ofreliability in the aggregate (e.g., 75% reliability for generation ofover megawatt-hour over a year).

The method of FIG. 5 is similar to the method of FIG. 2, except themethod of FIG. 5 deletes step S106 and replaces step S108 with stepS112. Like numbers in FIG. 2 and FIG. 5 indicate like steps orprocedures.

In step S112, the selector 34 selects multiple preferential regions, forplacement of respective energy conversion devices (e.g., wind turbines),from the candidate regions based on spatial separation from one anotherby a minimum distance and an angular bearing from a reference bearing.The distance and angular bearing and heading may be established byreference to at least one of a meteorological model, historical weatherpatterns, historical atmospheric pressure patterns, historical lowpressure cell dimensions, historical high pressure cell dimensions, andhistorical jet stream patterns.

Step S112 may be executed in accordance with one or more of thefollowing techniques, which may be applied alternately or cumulatively.Under a first technique, the selector 34 selects multiple preferentialregions for the placement of N energy conversion devices (e.g., windturbines) distributed in at least M clusters to provide a uniform andreliable wind power input to a national power grid of a nation orcountry, where N and M are positive whole numbers and N is equal to orgreater than M. Each cluster is separated by a minimum distance (e.g.,300 miles) that depends upon the historical geographic scope of at leastone of high pressure masses and low pressure masses within the region ofinterest.

Under a second technique, the multiple preferential regions are selectedto provide an electrical power generation reliability exceeding aminimal percentage of reliability at a corresponding minimum energy orpower generation rate.

Under a third technique, multiple preferential regions are selected froma first region westward from a mountain range, a second region eastwardfrom a mountain range, and a third region disposed northward orsouthward from the mountain range to provide an aggregate electricalpower minimum energy or power generation rate from the group of regionscollectively with a desired level of reliability. For instance, themountain range may be the Rocky Mountains, the third region may compriseat least a portion of Texas, the second region may be located in atleast a portion of one or more of the following states: Iowa, Illinois,North Dakota, Minnesota, and South Dakota. The wind turbines in thefirst region, the second region, and the third region may have a commonpower purchase agreement with a third party.

Under a fourth technique for executing step S112, land data associatedwith the candidate region is obtained. The land data includes at leastone of a land-use or holder data. The holder data relates to thecharacteristics of a holder of an interest in real property associatedwith the candidate region. The selection of preferential regions fromthe candidate regions is based on a land-use data indicative of vacantor agricultural land and the spatial separation from one another by aminimum distance. In effect, the fourth technique incorporates step S106of FIG. 2 into step S112 of FIG. 5.

The method of FIG. 6 is similar to the method of FIG. 2, except themethod of FIG. 6 deletes step S106, adds step S101, and replaces stepS108 with step S114.

Step S101 may be executed prior to, simultaneously with, or after stepS100. In step S101, a correlation module 42 determines cross-correlationfactors associated with pairs of wind data regions within a geographicarea. The correlation module 42 facilitates identification of wind dataregions where the wind velocity (e.g., average wind speed and averagewind velocity) or wind regime lacks correlation or has a minimalcorrelation. For example, if correlation is measured on a scale of 0 to1 with 0 indicating no correlation and 1 indicating a high correlation,then an intermediate value between 0 and 1 may serve as the minimalcorrelation threshold so that any correlation value less than theminimal correlation is sufficiently uncorrelated.

The wind data is defined to include any of the following: wind velocity,wind speed, average wind velocity, and average wind speed. In oneexample, the correlation module 42 determines the cross-correlationfactors between the wind data at two distinct locations associated withthe respective distinct preferential regions. In another example, thecorrelation module 42 determines cross-correlation factors between thewind data at two distinct locations and corresponding elevations withinthe respective distinct preferential regions. In another example, thecorrelation module 42 identifies preferential pairs of locations in thedistinct preferential regions where historical wind data demonstrates aminimal level or lack of correlation, such that when the wind velocitypeaks a first site of a particular preferential pair, it tends to be ata minimum at a second site of a preferential pair, and vice versa.

In step S114, the selector 34 selects preferential regions, forplacement of conversion devices (e.g., wind turbines), from thecandidate regions based on the preferential regions being spatiallyseparated from one another and having cross correlation factors for windvelocity that are equal to or less than a minimum target crosscorrelation. Step S114 may be executed in accordance with variousalternative procedures that may be applied individually or collectively.

In accordance with a first procedure for executing step S114, theselector 34 selects an array of sites distributed over the geographicarea within the distinct preferential regions to produce electricalenergy with a desired level of reliability in the aggregate. Forexample, the selector 34 selects an array of sites distributed over thegeographic area with the distinct preferential regions to produceelectrical energy at a rate of at least one megawatt-hour (or at leastone megawatt-hour per hour) with at least seventy-five percentreliability over at least one year time period.

In accordance with a second procedure for executing step S114, theselector 34 further comprises an identification module for identifyingmultiple pairs of relatively uncorrelated wind data within the distinctpreferential regions based on the determined cross-correlation factors.Further, wind data regions from the candidate cross-correlation factorsare derived from the multiple pairs of relatively uncorrelated winddata, and location data (e.g., geographic coordinates) associatedtherewith.

Under a third procedure for executing step S114, land data associatedwith the candidate region is obtained. The land data includes at leastone of a land-use or holder data. The holder data relates to thecharacteristics of a holder of an interest in real property associatedwith the candidate region. The selection of preferential regions fromthe candidate regions is based on a land-use data indicative of vacantor agricultural land and the cross correctional factors being equal toor less than a minimum target cross correlation. In effect, the abovealternate technique incorporates step S106 of FIG. 2 into step S114 ofFIG. 6.

FIG. 7A shows an illustrative diagram of various data layers that may becombined to form a composite data layer 764. Although other constituentdata layers may contribute to the composite data layer 764, asillustrated in FIG. 7A, the composite layer comprises basic data layers760 and one or more additional data layers 780. In one embodiment, thebasic data layers 760 comprise a wind data layer 768 and a transmissiongrid data layer 762. The transmission grid data layer 762 may also bereferred to as a distribution infrastructure data layer or theequivalent thereof.

The additional data layers 780 represent all other data layers otherthan the basic data layers 760. The additional data layers 780 maycomprise one or more of the following data layers: parcel data layer778, land-use data layer 774, customer data layer 772, topographicaldata layer 776, financial data layer 766, and dealer layer data 770(e.g., dealer location data or dealer qualifications). The parcel datalayer 778 defines the boundaries or metes and bounds of various realproperties in a defined geographic area. The land-use data layer 774defines the zoning or land use of corresponding parcels or geographiccoordinates. The customer data layer 772 may comprise data gathered fromcustomers of business, marketing lists, customer lists, historicalcustomer purchases, credit rating, historical credit rating, customerannual income, and demographic data. The topographical data layer 776includes data on the topographical or terrain profile of a geographicarea. The financial data layer 766 may include customer financial data,data on equipment costs, maintenance costs or other financial data. Thedealer data layer 770 may provide data on the service capabilities,technical competencies, certifications, qualifications, annual servicessales, historical customer satisfaction, location data, and geographiccoordinates for a dealer that can provide service for the conversiondevices or wind turbines. The wind data layer 768 comprises wind data,as previously described herein. The composite data represents aggregatedata that considers both economic and technical factors for planning thelocation or site of an electrical power generating facility.

Each data layer contains attribute data that is associated withcorresponding location data. The data layers may be formatted in astandardized data structure for location data associated with other dataof each layer. For example, the location data for each layer may beexpressed as a matrix, table, or relational database of geographiccoordinates.

FIG. 7B shows a data processing system 750 for determining a location ofa conversion device for converting wind energy into electrical energy.The data processing system 750 comprises a data layer manager 752 thatcommunicates with a search engine 756. In turn, the search engine 756communicates with a data processor 758. A user interface 36 supports auser interaction with the data processing system 750, such as dataentry, data input, data display, and data output.

The data layer manager 752 establishes a plurality of data layers,including at least a wind data layer and a transmission grid data layer.Each data layer contains attribute data that is associated withcorresponding location data. The data layer manager 752 comprises a dataorganizer 754 for aligning the location data of one layer with thelocation data of other layers to form a composite layer.

The search engine 756 is adapted to search the composite layer toidentify the first compliant location data, a second compliant locationdata, and a third compliant location data. The first compliant locationdata is associated with a target value or a target value range of theattribute data for the wind data layer. The second compliant locationdata is associated with a target value or a target value range of theattribute data for the transmission grid data. The third compliantlocation data is associated with a target value or target value range ofthe attribute data for an additional data layer other than the wind datalayer and the transmission grid data layer.

A data processor 758 determines the intersection of the first compliantlocation data, the second compliant location data, and the thirdcompliant data. The data processor 758 identifies as one or morepreferential regions for locating an energy conversion device based onthe intersection. Accordingly, the location data and attribute data forthe composite layer may be expressed as a multi-dimensional matrix witha number of dimensions equal to or greater than the total number (N) ofcombined constituent data layers plus one (1) matrix dimension for thecommon location data.

FIG. 7C shows a flow chart of a method for determining a preferentialsite or location for locating an energy conversion device for convertingwind energy into electrical energy. The method of FIG. 7C begins in stepS700.

In step S700, a data layer manager 752 establishes a plurality of datalayers, including at least a wind data layer and a transmission griddata layer. Each data layer contains attribute data that is associatedwith corresponding location data. The wind data layer comprises at leastone of a wind velocity, a wind speed, a wind direction, a wind azimuth,a prevalence, a temporal component, a measurement interval, ameasurement altitude or measurement height above ground level, ameasurement location or measurement coordinates, a reading or samplinginterval, a reliability level, a percentage of reliability, and a windclass.

The transmission grid data layer comprises one or more of the following:transmission line data, transmission line path data, transmission linecapacity data, distribution infrastructure data, network data, powersupply data, power plant data, power plant capacity data, power loaddata, power grid data, and location data or temporal periods associatedwith any of the foregoing items.

In an alternate embodiment, the wind data layer comprises a singledimensional or multi-dimensional matrix with following characteristics:(a) one of N angular compass directions at regularly spaced angularintervals, (b) a corresponding average wind speed for each of the Nangular compass directions, where N is equal to an positive integergreater than one; (c) a time interval associated with each of the windspeeds; (d) a height of measurement or observation of the correspondingwind speed; and (e) corresponding geographic coordinates for themeasurement or observation.

In step S702, a data layer manager 752 aligns the location data of onelayer with the location data of other layers to form a composite layer.In a first example, the other data layer comprises a land data layer ofland data, the land data comprising any of the following: metes andbounds of real property, governmental geographic survey data, land-usedata, agricultural land boundaries, land owner data, land holder data ofany interest in corresponding real property, satellite image data ofland, aerial image data of land, public records, real property publicrecords, grantee-grantor indices associated with various counties,census data, foreclosure notices and publicly available court filingsrelated to real property, marketing data, demographic data, customernames and corresponding addresses, and plat data. In a second example,the other data layer comprises a financial data layer of financial data,the financial data comprising any of the following: a credit analysis ofa corresponding land owner or land holder, a credit rating of acorresponding land owner or land holder, a loan application, publiclyavailable business records, secretary of state business filings, realproperty mortgage records, and real property foreclosure records, censusdata, demographic data, annual income data, and bankruptcy filings andnotices. In a third example, the other data layers comprise a data layerselected from the group consisting of a financial data layer, a landdata layer, a land-use data layer, a land cover data layer, a parceldata layer, a customer data layer, a dealer data layer, and atopographical data layer. In a fourth example, a correlation data layercomprises cross correlations of wind velocity data or wind speed dataassociated with one or more pairs of locations within the preferentialregions.

In step S704, a search engine 756 searches the composite layer toidentify the first compliant location data associated with a targetvalue or a target value range of the attribute data for the wind datalayer. In one embodiment, the target value for the wind data layercomprises a wind velocity meeting or exceeding approximately 6 metersper second in at least one direction for a minimum time period.

In step S706, a search engine 756 searches the composite layer toidentify a second compliant location data associated with a target valueor a target value range of the attribute data for the transmission griddata. In one embodiment, the target value for the transmission grid datacomprises a transmission line with a capacity of less than approximately69 kilovolt located less than or equal to 10 kilometers from thepreferential region.

In step S708, a search engine 756 searches the composite layer toidentify a third compliant location data associated with a target valueor target value range of the attribute data for an additional data layerother than the wind data layer and the transmission grid data layer. Inone embodiment, the target value or ranges for the financial layercomprises an annual income of a potential investor or customer of atleast a threshold minimum amount.

Step 708 facilitates selection of preferential area from the candidatearea based on the additional data layer or additional data attribute,which may be based on one or more of the following criteria for making abusiness decision: user input, user discretion or user observations,empirical observations, test results, survey results, availability ofdata layers for a corresponding geographic area of interest, accuracy ofdata layers for a corresponding geographic area of interest, and pasteconomic performance associated with various techniques of siteselection.

In step S710, a data processor 758 determines the intersection of thefirst compliant location data, the second compliant location data, andthe third compliant data. The determined intersection represents one ormore preferential regions for locating an energy conversion device. Theintersection means that the first compliant location data, secondcompliant location data, and third compliant location data aresubstantially spatially coincident with each other, have identicalgeographic coordinates, or are sufficiently proximate for one or morepreferential regions to have desired characteristics for locating anenergy conversion device on an economic and technical basis.

FIG. 8 is a contour map that illustrates various distinct wind powerclasses for corresponding location data or geographic coordinates. Eachwind power class represents a range of wind velocities and respectivetemporal component (e.g., expressed as reliability level). As shown inFIG. 8, seven different classes of wind power are represented bycorresponding contours, although any number of such wind power classesfalls within the scope of the invention. The contour map of FIG. 8provides an illustrative example of a wind data layer, although othertypes and configurations of wind data layers are possible and fallwithin the scope of the invention. It is understood that the contour mapof FIG. 8 may be presented by a relational database, a look-up table ora matrix with fields representing wind power class and referencelocations (e.g., geographic coordinates) of the contours.

FIG. 9 is a contour map that illustrates various distinct elevations orranges of elevations for corresponding location data or geographiccoordinates. Each contour represents a respective range of elevations ofthe terrain. As shown in FIG. 9, ten different ranges of elevations arerepresented, although any number of such ranges of elevations fallswithin the scope of the invention. For instance, a first elevation rangeextends approximately from 1 foot above sea level to 299 feet above sealevel; a second elevation range extends approximately from 300 feetabove sea level to 609 feet above sea level; a third elevation rangeextends approximately from 610 feet above sea level to 1219 feet abovesea level; the fourth elevation range extends approximately from 1220feet above sea level to 1829 feet above sea level; the fifth elevationrange extends approximately from 1830 feet above sea level to 2439 feeabove sea level; the sixth elevation range extends approximately from2440 feet above sea level to 3049 feet above sea level; the seventhelevation range extends approximately from 3050 feet above sea level to3659 feet above sea level, the eighth elevation range extendsapproximately from 3660 feet above sea level to 4269; the ninthelevation range extends approximately from 4270 feet above sea level to5489 feet above sea level; and the tenth elevation range represents anelevation greater than or equal to approximately 5490 feet above sealevel.

The contour map of FIG. 9 provides an illustrative example of atopographical data layer, although other types and configurations oftopographical layers are possible and fall within the scope of theinvention. For example, other topographical layers may include data onsurface roughness, slope, or the rate of change in elevations. It isunderstood that the contour map of FIG. 9 may be presented by arelational database, a look-up table or a matrix with fieldsrepresenting elevations or elevation ranges and reference locations(e.g., geographic coordinates) of the contours.

FIG. 10 is a contour map that illustrates land cover for correspondinglocation data or geographic coordinates. Each land cover classrepresents a different ground characteristic. As shown in FIG. 10,thirteen different classes of land cover are represented, although anynumber of such land cover types fall within the scope of the invention.For example, the land cover classifications may include one or more ofthe following: (1) mostly cropland, (2) irrigated land, woodland andforest with some cropland, (3) forest and woodland mostly ungrazed, (4)sub-humid grassland and semiarid grazing land, (5) desert shrub landgrazed, (6) desert shrub land mostly ungrazed, (7) alpine meadows,mountain peaks above timer, sparse dry tundra, and lava flows, (8)swamp, (9) marshland, (10) moist tundra and muskeg, (11) urban area, and(12) open water.

The contour map of FIG. 10 provides an illustrative example of a landcover data layer, although other types and configurations of land coverlayers are possible and fall within the scope of the invention. It isunderstood that the contour map of FIG. 10 may be presented by arelational database, a look-up table or a matrix with fieldsrepresenting land cover classification and reference locations (e.g.,geographic coordinates) of the contours.

FIG. 11 is a contour map that illustrates various distinct powertransmission paths and corresponding location data or geographiccoordinates. Further, each transmission path or portion thereof isassociated with a capacity range measured in kilo-volts (kV). As shownin FIG. 11, seven different ranges of transmission capacity arerepresented, although any number of such ranges falls within the scopeof the invention. For example, a first transmission path capacity isless than 115 Kv; a second transmission path capacity extendsapproximately from 115 Kv to 137 Kv; a third transmission path capacityextends approximately from 138 Kv to 160 Kv; a fourth transmission pathcapacity extends approximately from 161 Kv to 229 Kv; a fifthtransmission path capacity extends approximately from 230 Kv to 344 Kv;a sixth transmission path capacity extends approximately from 345 Kv to499 Kv, and a seventh transmission path capacity is greater than 500 Kv.

The contour map of FIG. 11 provides an illustrative example of atransmission grid data layer, although other types and configurations oftransmission grid layers are possible and fall within the scope of theinvention. It is understood that the contour map of FIG. 11 may bepresented by a relational database, a look-up table or a matrix withfields representing transmission power grid paths and referencelocations (e.g., geographic coordinates) of the contours.

The aggregate layer or overlay layer of FIG. 12 represents thecombination of the wind data layer of FIG. 8, the elevation data layerof FIG. 9, the land cover data layer of FIG. 10, and the transmissiongrid layer of FIG. 11. Each of the foregoing layers are geographicallyaligned or registered such that preferential location data orpreferential geographic coordinates may be established for regions inwhich (a) the wind data layer meets or exceeds a wind data criteria(e.g., falling within a Wind Power Class 3 to a Wind Power Class 7,inclusive); (b) the land cover data is compliant with a desired land useor land cover criteria (e.g., representing agricultural land, vacantland, and land that is a certain distance from an urban area wherebuildings might degrade wind velocity); (c) the elevation is greaterthan an average elevation in the area above sea level or meets anotherelevation criteria; and (d) the transmission grid layer has sufficientpotential capacity and geographical proximity to the preferentiallocation. In the above example, the preferential region selected isdesigned Preferential Region A. It is understood that the PreferentialRegion depicted in any drawings or described in this document is merelyan illustrative example, and that other preferential regions andlocations with different characteristics, may fall within the scope ofthe invention.

FIG. 13 shows Preferential Region A in greater detail than FIG. 12 does.The Preferential Region A is within proximity to an electricaltransmission line, a dealer or service technician for wind power orelectrical generation equipment, and a potential customer which has beenprequalified with respect to credit rating, credit risk, annual incomeor other financial attributes. The electrical transmission line has acorresponding electrical transmission line location; the servicetechnician has a corresponding service technician location; and thepotential customer-holder of interest in real property has acorresponding potential customer location. In the illustrative example,the Preferential Region A contains the electrical transmission linelocation, the service technician location, and the potential customerlocation.

FIG. 14 is a detailed contour map of at least a portion of thepreferential region. Each contour defines a range of ground elevations.The detailed contour map may represent a U.S. Geological survey map, adatabase derived therefrom, or another terrain database or topographicaldatabase with a desired degree of resolution. FIG. 14 provides localelevation data that may be used to select a reasonable or optimumlocation for one or more wind turbines or other components of a windfarm. In one example, the optimum location for locating a wind turbinein the preferential region may be on a plateau or the highest point on aridge such that wind is not attenuated by the surrounding groundclutter, if any. In another example, the optimum location for locating awind turbine in the preferential region is selected on a ridge line, acliff or other region where the change in elevation is or approaches thegreatest. In another example, the optimum location for locating a windturbine is within a valley where wind tends to prevail, tunneled, orotherwise directed from another location through a mountain range orlocal topographic or terrain configuration. The detailed contour map ofFIG. 14 may be used as input to a software module for selection of apreferential local site(s) for corresponding wind turbines. The softwaremodule may provide an estimate of the power generated at variousalternative sites throughout the preferential region. A search enginesearches through the estimates to identify the estimate that providesthe greatest power generated or power generated above a certain minimumthreshold, for example.

FIG. 15 illustrates a financial output associated with a correspondingdesign of a planned wind farm. The financial output may containestimated balance sheets of the wind farm's performance over aprospective time period (e.g., 1 to 10 years) given the technical windfarm design. The technical wind farm design may include one or more ofthe following: wind turbine type, wind turbine specifications, windturbine identifier, geographic coordinates of wind turbines, towerheight of wind turbine, blade length, blade type, estimated new yield(e.g., in megawatt-hours per year (MWh/yr)), estimated cost of windturbine, estimated cost of installation of wind farm, estimated cost ofpower conditioning station or sub-station, and estimated maintenancecost of the wind farm. The estimated new yield may be determined basedon the local wind regime, wind turbine specifications, local powerrates, tax deductions, exclusions, and accelerated depreciationbenefits, and other characteristics of the wind farm design. Althoughthe financial output of FIG. 15 is presented as a spreadsheet or chart,the financial output may be expressed in tabular, textual, or graphicalform. In one embodiment, the financial output is in a suitable form fora promoter to provide to investors, investment bankers, developers,accountants, or others.

Having described the preferred embodiment, it will become apparent thatvarious modifications can be made without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the accompanying claims.

1. A method for determining a location of a conversion device forconverting wind energy into electrical energy, the method comprising:establishing one or more qualified wind data regions within a geographicarea, the qualified wind data regions meeting or exceeding a windvelocity criteria over a requisite time period; establishing accessibledistribution zones where a desired range of electrical energy isdistributable via existing distribution infrastructure; determiningcandidate regions based on the overlap of the regions and the zones;obtaining land data associated with the candidate region including atleast one of a land-use data and holder data, the holder data comprisinginformation associated with a holder of an interest in real propertyassociated with the candidate region; and selecting a preferentialregion, for placement of an energy conversion device, from the candidateregions based on the land data.
 2. The method according to claim 1wherein the land data comprises land-use data indicative of at least oneof vacant land, agricultural land, and land generally free of groundclutter.
 3. The method according to claim 1 wherein the land datacomprises holder data associated with a holder of a real propertyinterest in the preferential region, the holder data including at leastone of a credit report, a credit analysis, financial data, and ahistorical annual income of the holder.
 4. The method according to claim1 further comprising: obtaining financial data associated with theholder; and selecting a preferential region, for placement of aconversion device, from the candidate regions based on a land useindicative of vacant or agricultural land and the financial dataassociated with the holder compliant with a financial criteria.
 5. Themethod according to claim 1 wherein the distribution infrastructurerepresents at least one of a transmission line, a power station, asubstation, a monopoles, and a tower, and location data associated withany of the foregoing items.
 6. The method according to claim 1 whereinthe wind velocity criteria comprises an average of approximately sixmeters per second in at least one direction over the requisite timeperiod of at least three months.
 7. The method according to claim 1wherein the establishing of the accessible distribution zones comprisesestablishing the accessible distribution zone within a maximum lineardistance from the existing distribution infrastructure.
 8. The methodaccording to claim 5 wherein the maximum linear distance is tenkilometers.
 9. The method according to claim 1 wherein the energyconversion device comprises at least one wind turbine and whereindesired range of electrical energy is within a range from approximately200 kilowatt-hours to approximately 20 megawatt-hours to reduce thecomplexity or requirement for a substation.
 10. The method according toclaim 1 wherein a potential interconnection point to the distributioninfrastructure is associated with a transmission line having a rating ofless than or equal to approximately 69 kilovolts.
 11. The methodaccording to claim 1 wherein a potential interconnection point of thedistribution infrastructure is less than ten kilometers from thepreferential region and wherein the potential interconnection point isassociated with a transmission line with a rating between 15 kilovoltsand 25 kilovolts.
 12. A system for determining a location of aconversion device for converting wind energy into electrical energy, thesystem comprising: a wind data module for establishing one or morequalified wind data regions within a geographic area, the qualified winddata regions meeting or exceeding a wind velocity criteria over arequisite time period; an accessible distribution model for establishingaccessible distribution zones where a desired range of electrical energyis distributable via existing distribution infrastructure; a candidatedetermination module for determining candidate regions based on theoverlap of the regions and the zones; a land data manager for obtainingland data associated with the candidate region including at least one ofa land-use data and holder data, the holder data comprising informationassociated with a holder of an interest in real property associated withthe candidate region; and a selector for selecting a preferentialregion, for placement of an energy conversion device, from the candidateregions based on the land data.
 13. The system according to claim 12wherein the land data comprises land-use data indicative of at least oneof vacant land, agricultural land, and land generally free of groundclutter.
 14. The system according to claim 12 wherein the land datacomprises holder data associated with a holder of a real propertyinterest in the preferential region, the holder data including at leastone of a credit report, a credit analysis, financial data, and ahistorical annual income of the holder.
 15. The system according toclaim 12 where the selector selects a preferential region, for placementof a conversion device, from the candidate regions based on a land useindicative of vacant or agricultural land and the financial dataassociated with the holder compliant with a financial criteria.
 16. Thesystem according to claim 12 wherein the distribution infrastructurerepresents at least one of a transmission line, a power station, asubstation, a monopoles, and a tower, and location data associated withany of the foregoing items.
 17. The system according to claim 12 whereinthe wind velocity criteria comprises an average of approximately sixmeters per second in at least one direction over the requisite timeperiod of at least three months.
 18. The system according to claim 12wherein the accessible distribution zone is established within a maximumlinear distance from the existing distribution infrastructure.
 19. Thesystem according to claim 18 wherein the maximum linear distance is tenkilometers.
 20. The system according to claim 12 wherein the energyconversion device comprises a wind turbine and the desired range ofelectrical energy is within a range from approximately 200kilowatt-hours to approximately 20 megawatt-hours to reduce thecomplexity or requirement for a substation.
 21. The system according toclaim 12 wherein a potential interconnection point to the distributioninfrastructure is associated with a transmission line having a rating ofless than or equal to approximately 69 kilovolts.
 22. The systemaccording to claim 12 wherein a potential interconnection point of thedistribution infrastructure is less than ten kilometers from thepreferential region and wherein the potential interconnection point isassociated with a transmission line with a rating between 15 kilovoltsand 25 kilovolts.